Newcastle Vipers v Cardiff Devils - Sunday 06/09

Newcastle Vipers 5 Cardiff Devils 4

The Devils fought back from a 3-1 deficit for the second time in two nights, but this time couldn’t complete the comeback as the Vipers took a 5-4 decision Sunday night in Newcastle.

The loss of Mark Richardson to injury around the half-way point and a ten minute misconduct penalty to Wes Jarvis, would eventually take its toll on a Devils defence that was already without the presence of Welsh stalwart Jason Stone.

While no goals were conceded with Jarvis in the box, the Vipers wrestled back control of the game early in the third period with two un-answered goals from Jason Tejchma at 44.40 (his second on the powerplay) and the ever clinical David Longstaff at 48.58 to make it 5-3.

Both players collected their second goal of the game, with new signing Tejchma (who totalled 5 points over the two games) showing early on why he’ll be the Vipers’ main threat in front of goal this season.

The Vipers’ two quick goals were a repeat of the second period when Tejchma and Longstaff had given Newcastle a 3-1 advantage after the game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first period thanks to goals from Vipers’ Matic Kralj and Devils player/coach Gerad Adams.

The Devils will be aiming to prevent a repeat of the brief lapses which allowed Newcastle to gain three rapid-fire two goal leads over two games.

Devils Assistant Coach Neil Francis believes this is a habit his team will have to quickly shake off saying;

"I felt for Stevie, who played great all weekend. Seven of the eight goals were in the back door - and he can't do anything about that.

"There were flashes of brilliance, but then at other times we were terrible. We showed great character in twice coming back from two goals down, but we can't make the same mistakes time and time again."

Despite the set-back and a misconduct penalty to first line forward Matt Miller, the Devils continued to show fight. Phil Hill scored his second goal in two games at 53.44, but this time the Devils could not overcome the two-goal deficit.

The Devils will take heart from outshooting their hosts 37 to 24, demonstrating their ability to create chances. However, returning Welsh goaltender Stevie Lyle believes the Devils should have taken the decision Sunday, blaming in part a lack of preparation for his team’s eventual downfall.

"The worst thing is that we were the better team. We should have won both games.

"Our preparation has been a problem because we have not had ice for training at the Cardiff Bay Arena. Three imports - Jay Latulippe, Scott Romfo and Tyler Michel - only flew in last Friday because of visa delays and had little time to settle in.

"They are problems which were beyond the club's control, but we gave ourselves a real chance of winning in Newcastle on Sunday and failed to deliver.”

That determination will no doubt serve the Devils well as they embark on back-to-back contests against the resurgent Hull Stingrays this weekend. The first match takes place at the Hull arena on Saturday 12th, with the return fixture at the Cardiff Bay Arena on Sunday 13th.

Game winning Goal – David Longstaff
Winning Goaltender – Michel Robinson
Losing Goaltender – Stevie Lyle

Period Scores: 1-1, 2-2, 2-1
Penalty Mins: New 8 - Car 36
Powerplay: New 2/8 - Car 1/4
Shots On: Michel Robinson 37 - Stevie Lyle 24
Referee: Moray Hanson

Scorers:

Newcastle: Matic Kralj 1+0; Jason Tejchma 2+1; David Longstaff 2+1; Tyler Kindle 0+2; Mark Gouett 0+2; Jerramie Domish 0+1; Matus Petricko 0+2.

Cardiff: Gerad Adams 1+0; Mark Smith 1+0; Wes Jarvis 1+0; Phil Hill 1+1; Matt Miller 0+2; Max Birbraer 0+1; Jay Latulippe 0+1; Brad Voth 0+1.